The cost of heating schools, community centres, libraries and council-run care homes in Swansea could soar to £20 million per year unless the UK Government steps in, the leader of the council has warned. Cllr Rob Stewart said the annual cost was around £5 million currently and that these buildings and services would not be able to absorb such a rise.
Last month the Conservative Government announced a package of energy support for businesses and public sector organisations like councils, but it is due to end after six months on March 31 with a review to decide what to do after that.
Cllr Stewart told a cabinet meeting on October 20 that the package "means nothing to this council". This is a result of the council not being eligible on account of the type of fixed price energy contracts it's on. The concern is that when the contracts end next spring, the council could be exposed to a stratospheric rise in costs.
